Winemakers spill secrets

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Talking and learning about wine will be just as important as tasting it, at this year's Gibbston Wine and Food festival.

The annual event is being held in the Queenstown Gardens for the first time this year and includes family entertainment, music, food and wine and masterclasses.

Brennan Winery owner and winemaker Sean Brennan will be one of those speaking.

"I'll probably be talking about Gibbston as it's matured, showing some older wines and really looking at how Gibbston has come from a place where no-one really believed we could grow decent wines to an area that produces some of the best wines in the world," he said.

Among the other speakers would be Alan Brady, who first planted grapes in 1981 and harvested the region's first pinot noir 25 years ago, he said.

With other wine master classes presented by Jeremy Railton of Mt Rosa, Christopher Keys, of Gibbston Valley, and Lunn Horton, of Coal Pit, punters at the festival would learn about Gibbston, the valley's grapes and its wines.

With the change of venue, the talks would be an opportunity to showcase everything about Gibbston, Mr Brennan said.

FAST FACTS: Party Plus Wine Master Classes

What: Six of Gibbston's best winemakers will give talks on everything from growing grapes, to wine making, wine matches and wine vintages

When: Every hour from 11am, lasting 40 minutes

Where: Gibbston Wine and Food Festival, Queenstown Gardens, March 15 Who: There is something fro everyone from connoisseurs to the newest wine appreciator

Tickets: Gate sales $20 per person, including three taste tokens, school-aged children free, VIP and group bookings available. There is a gold coin entry for the Wine Master Classes.